This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
